Defense. Forty-eight teams, more than 100 participants from twelve different countries: these are the figures of the first international drone Challenge organized for the first time by the army, in Chaumont-Semoutiers, on Tuesday and Wednesday. An event marked by the presence of General Pierre Schill.
It has been 27 years since the military base of Chaumont-Semoutiers has been the French capital of army drones, thanks to the presence of the 61st artillery regiment. The Aboville district also hosts, since 2023, the Drone School which trains operators, trainers, and instructors for drones from all branches of the army. This double presence fully justifies the organization in Haute-Marne of the international drone Challenge. It took place on Tuesday, May 19, and Wednesday, May 20, 2026. Forty-eight teams, representing over 100 participants, competed in this event for the first time.
“This challenge had several objectives: ‘Illustrating the ‘dronization’ of the army and facilitating interoperability with foreign partners,'” explains Commander Cyril, an officer from the 61st RA. Eleven of the 48 teams represented foreign states: Belgium, Denmark, Spain, the United States, Italy, Poland, the United Kingdom, as well as Luxembourg (as an observer). The drones in the competition are similar to those used in civilian settings but adapted to meet military requirements.
Flight maneuvers in a hangar or outdoors with strikes, guided courses, hitting moving targets were the four tests offered to military pairs – a pilot and a spotter (observer). On Wednesday, these drone pilots had the opportunity to compete in front of General Pierre Schill, the Chief of Staff of the army, who emphasized the rapid evolution of drones influenced by the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
In a press conference, General Pierre Schill announced that in 2026, the army had acquired 15,000 drones. He emphasized the significant evolution and military revolution taking place, with drones becoming essential in modern warfare. The adaptation to this evolution includes equipping every military echelon with drone teams for various operations.
The Challenge was accompanied by an exhibition dedicated to industrial companies, showcasing the potential of a drone industry emerging in Haute-Marne similar to the aerospace industry in Toulouse. Makers of drone parts expressed their interest in producing their own range of drones. Safran, a major player in military drone production, presented its latest drones at the exhibition.
The Aboville military base now boasts a new, impressive aeronautical tower inaugurated by Colonel Thomas Loison. Many visitors attending the challenge had the opportunity to see the tower for the first time.
